The International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA) and NuStep, LLC, are thrilled to unveil the recipients of the 2024 ICAA NuStep Best in Wellness Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates the top senior living communities across North America that have fully embraced wellness as a guiding principle, transforming what it means to age actively and meaningfully.
Every year, the ICAA NuStep Beacon Award highlights communities that make wellness an integral part of life. In 2024, ICAA and NuStep expanded their recognition to honor the top Wellness Executives and Directors who are not only innovators but also leaders committed to fostering inclusive, vibrant communities where older adults can thrive.
“This year’s recipients embody the future of wellness in senior living,” said Colin Milner, ICAA’s founder and CEO. “Through their dedication and visionary leadership, these communities and individuals are redefining aging, showing us that wellness is a continuous journey—one that energizes and enriches life at every stage.”
"We are proud to recognize the exceptional commitment of communities and leaders dedicated to making wellness a cornerstone of life for older adults," said Jane Benskey, NuStep's Marketing Communications Specialist. "The 2024 ICAA NuStep Beacon Awards celebrate not only the innovation but also the leadership and passion that drive meaningful change. By honoring outstanding Wellness Executives and Directors alongside exemplary communities, we strive to inspire a future where older adults prosper in lively, inclusive communities that nurture their health and overall well-being.”
ICAA NuStep Beacon Award Winners – Top 25 Senior Living Communities
- Peconic Landing (Greenport, New York)
- Bridgewater Retirement Community (Bridgewater, Virginia)
- Galloway Ridge at Fearrington (Pittsboro, North Carolina)
- Moorings Park (Naples, Florida)
- Moorings Park at Grey Oaks (Naples, Florida)
- Asbury Solomons (Solomons, Maryland)
- The Mather (Tysons, Virginia)
- Fellowship Village (Basking Ridge, New Jersey)
- Elim Park Place (Cheshire, Connecticut)
- Moorings Park Grande Lake (Naples, Florida)
- Juniper Village at Paramus (Paramus, New Jersey)
- Maravilla Scottsdale (Scottsdale, Arizona)
- Carolina Village (Hendersonville, North Carolina)
- Maravilla Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, California)
- Crestwood Manor - Springpoint (Whiting Township, New Jersey)
- Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community (Charleston, South Carolina)
- Shell Point Retirement Community (Fort Myers, Florida)
- Berwick Qualicum Beach (Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada)
- Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall (Wilmington, North Carolina)
- Asbury Methodist Village (Gaithersburg, Maryland)
- John Knox Village of Florida (Pompano Beach, Florida)
- Maravilla at the Domain (Austin, Texas)
- Acts Retirement-Life Communities, St. Andrews Estates (Boca Raton, Florida)
- GenCare Lifestyle Seattle at Ballard Landmark (Seattle, Washington)
- GenCare Lifestyle Tacoma at Point Ruston (Tacoma, Washington)
ICAA NuStep Top 5 Senior Living Pinnacle Award Winners
- Peconic Landing (Greenport, New York)
- Bridgewater Retirement Community (Bridgewater, Virginia)
- Galloway Ridge at Fearrington (Pittsboro, North Carolina)
- Moorings Park (Naples, Florida)
- Moorings Park at Grey Oaks (Naples, Florida)
ICAA NuStep Top 5 Wellness Executive Pinnacle Award Winners
- Dan Lavender, CEO, Moorings Park Communities (Naples, Florida)
- Mary Leary, President, Mather (Evanston, Illinois)
- Lynne Katzmann, CEO, Juniper Communities (Bloomfield, New Jersey)
- Leon Grundstein, President, GenCare Lifestyle (Seattle, Washington)
- Rodney Alderfer, President, Bridgewater Retirement Community (Bridgewater, Virginia)
ICAA NuStep Top 5 Wellness Director Pinnacle Award Winners
- Annie Shaffer, Wellness Director, Sunnyside Retirement Community (Harrisonburg, Virginia)
- Carole Clausen, Senior Director of Wellness, Fellowship Village, Inc. (Basking Ridge, New Jersey)
- Fabiana Cheistwer, Wellness Director, Providence Point/Baptist Senior Family (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
- Amanda Birchem, Director of Health & Wellness, Kavod Senior Life (Denver, Colorado)
- Belinda Degboe, Director of Well-being, Asbury Methodist Village (Gaithersburg, Maryland)
These distinguished leaders and communities were honored at the ICAA Conference & Expo held in Raleigh, North Carolina, November 19, 2024.
For more details on award winners and their wellness achievements, visit the ICAA NuStep Beacon Award website at https://beaconaward.icaa.cc.